Best Things to Do This Weekend in Los Angeles and SoCal: September 27-29

This is a live art event mixed with a bit of competition. Artists are divided into teams and given art materials to display their works on a giant wall serving as a canvas. They have 90 minutes to create their piece while you, a fan or friend, cheer them on. You and the judges (based on your cheers) will choose the winner. Musical ambiance provided by DJ Olea from Los Angeles.

The iconic Academy Museum is celebrating its third anniversary, so there’s going to be a party (of sorts)! The public is invited to visit the museum for free this Sunday; people will also receive free entry to Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” in 35mm, which will be shown at 2 p.m. The celebration will include music, tacos, fruit vendors and a photo booth in the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby. Tickets are encouraged, but not required. While you’re in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, check out fast and cheap restaurants nearby curated by my buddy, LAist Food Editor Gab Chabrán.

Fall marks the start of cuddling season for some of us, so this event might help you meet that partner…or at least a pickleball buddy? Mingle with other singles at an open bar for the first hour, then get into the game on the field. You don’t have to be a pro on the court (of love), just go out, play pickleball with other people and have fun.

Sabrina Carpenter’s girly pop music, a rooftop nightclub, and roller disco sounds like a perfect night out in LA to me. This evening is designed to get you moving on two dance floors with live DJs and roller skating while vibrating with your headphones. There’s a neon theme with glow sticks, which just brings a fun vibe. This place is 21; take note.

The summer season may be officially over, but we know the weather in Los Angeles is still delivering sunshine. This pool party is aimed at queer people and DJs will be playing sounds from the African diaspora: hip hop, afrobeats, house and more. Organizers say the party is all about dancing, flirting, playing and communing. The rooftop view from Broken Shaker is cute, so have your camera ready. (Note: The organizers have implemented rules of conduct at the event site.)

Who let the dogs out? (OK, I apologize for the cheesiness, but I had to do it.) Take your pooch to Griffith Park this weekend for a hike, guided by a hiking professional. Be sure to bring slippers for your four-legged best friend, as temperatures will get warm during the day. The group meets at the Trails Cafe in case you need some java before the walk. Places are limited, so it is strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.

A food festival featuring Los Angeles’ popular (and delicious) restaurants? Count on me. Din Tai Fung, Porto’s Bakery and LaSorted’s Pizza x Philippe The Original are just some of the restaurants that will sell food there. The festival, which will be held at LA State Historic Park, will also feature items from SoCal streetwear brands like Ghetto Rodeo and Kids of Immigrants — a mix of fashion and food in one place. There will also be Pikachu’s Electric Cafe, a boba tea concept, on site. (I’m not sure what that looks like exactly, but my inner child is screaming!)

This is making my mouth water as I write this because I love moles. There are many regional versions of the pre-Hispanic dish – spicy, sweet, red, yellow – and they’re all on a platter at this festival. There will be vendors from Mexico and Southern California selling food, mole ice cream and drinks. There will also be arts and crafts activities, traditional dancers and other fun presentations. A giant mole ofrenda will be presented to celebrate Day of the Dead. Get a taste of Mexico in the middle of Los Angeles

Ocean Prime Beverly Hills celebrates the 50th anniversary of Caymus Vineyards (from Napa) by offering a five-course set meal accompanied by Caymus wine pairings. This is your chance to splurge for yourself and a loved one and eat sea bass, lamb chops or salmon. You must book your tickets here.